Author: Lisa Mungovan

Don’t forget, if you had a real Christmas tree this year, don’t put it in the trash. Many farms have goats, that think trees are tasty treats. Some communities will pick up trees and turn them into mulch. You could practice your chopping skills, and make firewood. Find a way to recycle your tree!

Do you know who your state’s senators are? How about the representative, from your district? Today is a good day to learn their names, because it’s Write To Congress Day. A handwritten note will really stand out. Even if you’re not old enough to vote, your voice is important!

Today is Drinking Straw Day, but modern plastic straws can harm the environment and wildlife. Paper straws were invented in 1888 by Marvin Stone. Ancient Sumerians were using gold straws to drink beer 5000 years ago! Argentinians use metal straws that end in sieves, called bombillas. Invest in a reusable steel or bamboo straw, to celebrate!

Wake up! It’s time to go to sleep! It’s Festival Of Sleep Day! If you have to go to school, take a nap as soon as you get home. Then go to bed early tonight, snuggled in your favorite pajamas. It’s also Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day, so take time for a little treat before bed!

The Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia, has a new pygmy hippopotamus, and they need help naming her. The baby was born last month to parents Iris and Corwin, and has made her public debut. You can visit her at Hippo Haven, and vote for your favorite name. The finalists are Poppy or Hammie Mae.

Some people are extroverts, who are outgoing and enjoy being around lots of people. Other people are introverts, who are quiet and need more alone time. Most people are a little of both. Today is World Introvert Day, so honor the introverts in your life, by giving them their space!

Happy Mew Year! Yes, you heard me right. It’s Happy Mew Year Day For Cats! I guess people weren’t paying enough attention to them yesterday. It’s also Science Fiction Day. On the birthday of one of the greatest science fiction writers, Isaac Asimov, read “I Robot”, and watch Dr Who or Star Trek.

Have you been eating too much over the holidays? Don’t stop yet, because it’s Buffet Day! Put all the leftovers, snacks, and desserts out for dinner. Then you can take a little of everything, or only your favorites! It’s also Cream Puff Day, so be sure to top your meal with a cream-filled pastry!

Did you ever wonder, why Swiss cheese is full of holes? A bacteria culture used to make cheeses like Emmentaler, releases carbon dioxide gas while the cheese is still soft. The bubbles leave holes when it hardens. For Swiss Cheese Day, sample some cheeses from Switzerland. Swiss people eat around 48 pounds of cheese-per-year!

Stop. Don’t take down your Christmas decorations yet. It’s only the 8th day of Christmas! You could celebrate Twelve Days of Christmas, by giving a gift each day. Any late packages, could still technically arrive on time. It’s also the last day of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, so stay festive and practice faith.